Rank and the Heart

Visibility is a key factor in how others see us and how we see ourselves. The visible signs of rank are as much so others can show proper respect as they are tests of the individual's heart.

The belt system's simplicity makes it much harder to judge someone by the belt color they wear, which I love. Only by training with someone can you determine how skilled he is. Still, there are certain expectations that come with wearing any of the belt colors, both from others and from ourselves.

The patches are more visible markers of general rank within the dan levels. Because they're such visible signs for those who choose to wear them, they can be more intense tests of one's heart. If you're wearing the Shihan patch, it might be tempting to see yourself as above or better than others wearing the Dan patch or even the Shidoshi patch. But that's not always the case; there are plenty of proud Shihan whose skills are nothing to marvel at, and they simply have enough money to keep going to Japan for promotions. Their focus is on themselves and feeding their ego, not keeping the heart and humility of a student.

On the other hand, the patches are harmless to the person who is honest with himself about his skill. I'm willing to bet that people with that honest mindset would stand out more for their attitude than for their rank. People want to learn from people who admit they're still learning.

Also, thinking on what the original purpose of the patches might have been, they help others see who to address with which honorific. A Shihan wearing his patch may not care if you call him Steve or Shihan Steve, but practicing proper etiquette and showing respect is important at every level. It's like calling someone "Dr. Smith" and "sir" until they say you can just call them John. They worked long and hard for that "Dr." before their name; they deserve the respect and recognition of the title.

Ultimately, it's the responsibility of the individual to have a good attitude and a sincere heart. We each have to strike that balance between humility and self-worth, not undermining our accomplishments or boasting about them. Rank and visible indicators of your level test your heart. The proud heart will be tempted to boast about the promotion and make much of himself. Similarly, the self-degrading heart will make much of not deserving the promotion, boasting in his unworthiness. The honest heart, however, recognizes that he has much to learn; the promotion is a goad to push him to keep refining his base and to keep learning. He does not fight the promotion, nor does he fully embrace it. It is what it is and he keeps training hard and with sincerity.

Not long ago, I heard a Shihan talking about Soke's movement, and how you need to be at a certain skill level just to see how good he is at what he does. Not even the Shitenno fully understand what Soke does, and Soke himself is still learning. If the men at the head of the Bujinkan still call themselves students and still pursue a deeper understanding, how much more should we press forward with humility and determination?

Gambatte, my friends.